Switch plug connecter



Filed May 15, 1954 Fzql.

INVENTOR.

E N 0 0 B a Y m M E P 5 3 5 ATTORNEYS.

Patented Nov. 9, 1937 AT-ENT SWITCH PLUG CONNECTER Pearley B. Boone, San Francisco, Calif.

Application May 15, 1934, Serial No. 725,714

12 Claims.

This invention relates toelectrical connecters and has for its objects an improved electrical connector of the switch plug type that is composed of extremely few parts and that is easily I an d guickl assembled and disassembled and in which the switch member coacts with the plug parts; to retain the plug in assembled relation. Other objects and advantageswill appear in the following specification and drawing.

jInthe drawing, Fig. l is a broadside view of my co nnecter assembled.

Fig. ,2 is an edge view of the connecter of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of Fig. 2 taken along the line 3-3 thereof.

Fig. 4- is a view of the connector of Fig. 3 with the parts in disassembled relation and with the terminal elements removed, one of the parts being in section.

Fig. 5 isan assembled end view of one of the parts of Fig. 4 as. seen from the line 55 of Fig. 4, the terminal elements being in place.

Fig. 6 is an end; View of one of the parts of Fig. 4- as seen from the line 5-45 of Fig. 4 with the terminal elements in place.

Fig. '7 is a perspective view of the switch member, or the element shown in Fig. 4 between the two outer members of the plug.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the electricalconductor terminals showing the wire connected thereto Fig.9 is a perspective view of one of the terminals of the plug that is adapted to engage one of the posts of an electrical appliance.

Briefly described my invention, as shown in the drawing, comprises an elongated body divided transversely of its longitudinal axis into two parts, one of which parts is split longitudinally, and is internally recessed to carry the electrical conductorterminals and the other part is ,in one piece longitudinally apertured to carry the connecter elements or terminals adapted to engage the posts of an electrical appliance. The two parts of the body, one being split and the other a single piece as above described, are connected by a sliding switch block adapted to connect and to disconnect the conductor terminals and the terminals engaging the appliance posts, and which block also serves to assist in connecting the two parts of the body against separation.

In,-detail-my switch plug comprises an elongated body divided transversely of its longitudinal axis into an outer plug member I formed in one piece and an inner plug member that is split longitudinally of the body axis into similarly shaped halves 2, 3. The outer plug memher is formed with side portions i extended from two opposite sides of the plug member longitudinally of the body. Each of the halves 2, 3, of the inner plug member is formed with an extension 5 adapted to fit between the side portions t of the plug body and are spaced apart to permit a. switch block 5 to pass transversely of the longitudinal axisrof the body between the extensions 5 and throughrsquare openings 6' extending through the portions 4. of the plug body, said switch block being of oblong shape and substantially square in cross section.

Adjacent the side edge of extensions 5 the main body of the halves 2-, 3 respectively projects laterally outwardly forming a. square. shoulder and an upstanding flange l is formed on each shoulder adjacent the line of division between the halves, which flanges are adapted to fit within grooves 8 formed on the outer ends of the extensions ,4 of the plug body.

The inner opposed sides of the extensions 4 areeach provided with a guide member 9 extending transversely of the axis of the body, 'which guides are adapted to slidably engage in grooves i ii on opposite sides of the switch block 5, said grooves terminating adjacent one end of the switch block at .a point spaced slightly from' the end of the block, thus forming stops H at the blind end of the grooves adapted to engage the ends of the guides 9 to prevent the switch block from being forced completely through the body from one side and out the other side.

From the foregoing description it is seen that when the flanges l are engaged in grooves 8 and the grooves in the. sliding block engage the guides 9,the parts 2, 3 are prevented from being withdrawn from the outer plug member and are also retained against separation of the parts 2, 3 of the inner plug member adjacent the transverse division between, the members.

The parts 2,-3 respectively. are substantially trian ular in shape as viewed from the side, best seen in Fig. 4, with the apex of the triangular portion extended in a tubular neck l2 and with the base ofthe triangle extending along a line as. drawn through flanges l. The neck 52 terminates in laterally extending arms 8 adapted to be grasped by the fingers of the hand of the operatorpfor manipulating the plug in connecting and disconnecting the plug from an appliance, The extreme longitudinal end of the neck E2 has an outwardly projecting hub IS in concentric ali nment with the neck, which hub is provided inner and outer plug with an annular groove around its outer side for receiving a ring of rubber or spring ring [4' that secures the outer ends of parts 2, 3 against separation. 1

Adjacent the base of the triangular portion of the inner plug members, as indicated by line 11:, the parts'2, 3 are oppositely recessed on adjacent sides at l5, 15. These recesses are spaced from each other by an inverted V-shaped rib l4 similarly formed in each half, said recesses respee tively opening into the transverse passage formed between extensions 5 for the passage of the switch block 6, there being a slight shoulder :I'l along the side of the recesses adjacent the openings into the switch block passage for a purpose to later described.

The apex of therib I4 is positioned adjacent the switch block passage, and the arms of the ribs in each of the halves 2, 3, are transversely grooved on their adjacent sides at 20, which grooves provide for communicating openings between recesses l5, l5 and a recess 2| positioned between the arms of the rib, the recess 2| communicating in turn with the inner end of bore 22 a in the neck I2, said bore extending through the hub l3. 7

The outer plug member I is provided with a pair of spaced passages 25 extendinglongitudinally through the plug member, which passages communicate at their inner ends with the switch block passage. A central rib 26 spaces the passages from each other. These passages 25 are substantially rectangular in cross section, and the opposite sides of the walls ofthe passage are inclined outwardly from point 21 to the switch block passage, as at'21' and the opposite lateral sides of rib 26 are inclined toward each'otherfrom adjacent point 21 to the switch block passage.

A terminal element 25 is fitted within each of the passages 25, said elements each comprising an elongated strip of spring sheet metalbent inwardly transversely of its 'lengthat two spaced points 28 and then outwardly at 28 to form two substantially parallel legs 39 extending outwardly from convergently extending portions 29 with a flat'end 32 connecting across the ends of the 25' is provided withfspaced slots 33 from one edge, thus providing a tongue 34 therebetween,

which tongue is bent outwardly and then back again adjacent its freeend, giving the tongue a V-shaped outer end that projects into the switch block passage. The tongues of the terminals 25' extend oppositely longitudinally of' the switch block passage when the terminals are in position, as best indicated in Fig. 3.

Referring again to parts 2,.3, Within the re-' cesses l4, 15 I provide conductor'terminals 35 of similar shape; These terminals are small strips of spring metal formed in aV-shapeprof viding'le'gs 36, 31. The 1eg 36 of each terminal is adapted to lie against the outer side respectively of the legs of the V-shaped rib M with the'apex" guesses of the terminals adiacent the apex of the rib,

but spaced apart by the rib.

The leg 31 of the terminals 35 lies substantially fiush with the switch block passage and each is provided with a tongue 38 similar to tongues 34 of terminals 25', the tongues 38 being disposed directly opposite the tongues 34 respectively and projecting into the switch block passage in the same manner as said tongues 34. The other leg 36 of each terminal 35 is provided with an opening 39 through which one of the ends 48 of one of the conductor wires in the electrical cord ll extends, the free outer edge of leg 36 being slotted at .42 in one or more places to one side of opening 39 so that'the conductor end 40 may be wrapped around the outer side edge of the leg 35 and then throughslot 42, thus providing for a portion of the conductor extending between the outer surface'ofleg 35 and the outer surface of rib II. The angular relation between the legs 36, 31 is such that the legs must be compressed toward eachother slightly in order to fit the terminal 35 in the recess l5 or l5, thus the end of the conductor between leg 36 and rib. I4 is resiliently secured therebetween and cannot be withdrawn by any pull on cord 4|. The legs of the terminal 35'are retained in compressed position in the recess by reason of the fact that the side edges of leg, 31 engages under shoulder I1 formed along the side of'the recess. It may be noted that the side edge of leg 36 of the'terminal maybe cut away, as at 43, if desired, to receive the conductor 'end- 4| when the conductor is connected to the:

terminal as'above described.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that withithe plug assembled, with the exception of the switch block, the passage for the switch block is free to recess the-block from either end thereof, and when the switch block is in position,-

the outer and inner plug members will be securely locked together by the switch block.

The switch block, as already noted, is of oblong formation and substantially square in cross section with grooves ID on two opposite sides adapted to slidably fit guides 9 on the extensions 5 of th inner plug member. I

The switchblock is provided with two conductor:

recess the V -shaped' ends of tongues 34,38 of the terminal elements 35, 25' when the block is inserted into the switch block passage, thus' making a connection between the'terminals. Along sidethese grooves 46 toward one end'of the switch block' are second V-shaped grooves l1 parallel to; grooves 46. These grooves receive the tongues 34, 38 to retain the switch block in the off position with the terminals disconnected when the block is moved longitudinally in the direction of the grooves 11. end of slots 19 provide for limiting the movement of the switch block when it is inthe on posi-- tion and to limit the movement of the block when it is in the off position and toalso-prevent withdrawal of the switch'block after ithas been; inserted in the plug body, I provide a U-shaped' spring clip-48 adapted to extend around the end of-the block at therfree ends of grooves I0 and The stops II, or blind the grooves .lll. springing the arms apartif desired to remove the switch block and disassemble theplug.

By the-foregoingconstruction, the tongues on v the terminals'that engage thegrooves. in the switch block positively force the switch. block to assume the on or off positions respectively, and also it is to be noted that this switch provides for simultaneously breaking connections between terminals 38-and 34. 1, I

In order to prevent any relative movement'between parts i and '2 in the plane of the division between them, I provide posts 49 on opposite sides of bore 22 spaced points in the extensions Band a third post 49' adjacent the apex of rib I5, which posts extend into recesses in the opposed parts '2, .3.

To further stabilize the inner and outer plug me'mberswhen in assembled position, the outer ends of extensions 5 overlap the opposite sides of the outer plug member a short distance at 50, best seen in Fig. 2 in dotted line, said ends 59 seating in a rabbeted edge of the outer plug member. Thus the inner and outer plug members are prevented from breaking angularly along the line of division between said members to cause fri'ctionalresistance to free sliding of the switch block.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An electrical plug connecter comprising a body formed of two separate plug members each provided with a pair of spaced contact terminals therein, a switch device movably mounted within the connecter arranged and adapted to connect and to disconnect the pairs of terminals upon movement thereof, said plug members and switch device being formed and adapted to coact for retaining the plug members connected together.

2. An electrical plug connecter comprising an elongated body divided transversely of the longitudinal axis of the body into two separate plug members, a switch device movably mounted in the body adjacent the line of division thereof, means on each of said plug members arranged and adapted to engage the switch device against separation of the plug members and a contact terminal positioned within each plug member adapted to be connected and to be disconnected by the switch upon movement of said switch.

3. An electrical plug connecter comprising a body formed of two separate plug members each provided with a pair of spaced contact terminals therein, an elongated switch device of insulating material provided with a pair of spaced conductors extending transversely thereacross, said switch device being slidably mounted within the body of the connecter-between said pairs of contact terminals for longitudinal movement, the pairs of terminals being arranged and adapted to be simultaneously connected by the conductors of the switch device upon longitudinal movement of the switch device in one direction and to simultaneously disconnect the terminals upon movement of the switch device in the opposite direction, and means including said switch device for securing the plug members together. 7

4. An electrical plug connecter comprising a body formed of two separable plug members each provided with a pair of spaced contact terminals therein, one of said plug members being split perpendicularly to the line of division between the plug members for separation to expose the contact terminals therein for removal, a pair of electrical conductor'xwires connectedlrespectively to the terminals in the split plug member-,;, a switch device movably mounted withinthe connecterarranged and adapted to connectthepairs of .ter-

minals, said switch device and plug membersbeing formed to engage each other against separastion when the switch device is in DOSilliOnwWithiIl the connecter. i 5. An electrical plug connecter ;compris'ing a body formed of two separable plug members each provided with spaced substantially paralleluextensions projecting from two of their opposite sides respectively, the two extensions on one .of

said plug membersiadapted to fit between the two extensions of the other plug member disposed in a plane perpendicular tothesplane in which the said other'extensions are positioned,;-the;two

extensions on one of said plugrmembers being provided respectively with aligned openings therethrough and an elongated switch member slidably mounted in said openings and between the extensions of the other plug member, means on the extensions of the other plug member slidably engaging opposite sides of said switch m'em ber and spaced conductors onthe switch member extending thereacross from "one sideto the other in the directionof the longitudinaliaxis of the plug, a pair of spaced contact terminals-in each of said separable, plug members arranged and adapted to be connected through said spaced conductors upon longitudinal movement of said switch device, electrical conductor wires connected with the pair of contact terminals in one plug member and the other pair of contact terminals being adapted to connect to an electrical appliance.

6. A plug connecter comprising a body provided with a pair of outwardly opening recesses in one end thereof, a pair of contact terminals in said recesses, each of which is adapted to receive the prongs of an electrical device through the openings to the recesses, a pair of electrical terminals in the opposite end of the body adapted to be connected to the conductor wires of an electrical circuit and a switch member movably mounted between the pairs of terminals in opposite ends of the body arranged and adapted to simultaneously connect and to disconnect the respective pairs of terminals upon movement of the switch member in opposite directions, said body being divided into two separate portions, one of which portions carries said pair of contact terminals and switch member movably mounted within the body arranged and adapted to connect and disconnect the terminals upon movement thereof and to secure the two halves together against separation.

8. In a plug connecter comprising a body having openings in one end for admitting the conductor terminals of an electrical appliance to within the body, screwless conductor members removably fitted within the body adjacent said openings for engagement by such conductor terminals, conductor wires extending into said body, and means for connecting the conductor wires to said conductor members, said conductor members each comprising a single elongated strip of resilient sheet metal'bent to provide a pair of opposed legs with a section of said strip extending between the legs at an'end thereof in a plane perpendicular to the legs, said section connecting and spacing said'legs whereby the legs are adapted to extend on opposite sides of the aforesaid conductor terminalswhen the latter are admitted to within the body.

- 9. In a construction as defined in claim 8, said meansifor connecting the conductor wires and conductor members comprising a switchzmemb'er slidably supported on the re'spectivesections conmeeting the legs of the' conductormembers.

10. A plug connecter'ior electrical appliances comprising a body, electrical conductor members body, said handle member being formed and a bore extending longitudinally through the leg adapted to pass electrical conductor wires there- "through for connecting with the conductor members, means rigidly connecting said handle memher with the body arranged and adapted to prevent lateral, longitudinal, and rotative movement of the handle member relative to the body and the end of the handle adjacentthe body being enlarged to substantially thewidth and thickness of the end of the body adjacent thereto.

11. A plug connecter'for electrical appliances comprising a one-piece integrally formed body provided with a pair of through passages therein opening outwardly at opposite sides of the body, a pair of conductor members fitted within said passages, a rigid generally ,T-shaped handle member provided with an enlarged base portion formed integrally therewith adapted to fit over the'outer side of the body at one of the open ends of said passages and over said passages, the leg of said T-shaped handle member projecting outwardly from said base portion with the arm of the T at the outer end of the leg remote from the body, said handle member being formed with a bore adapted for passing the-ends of a pair of conductor wires therethrough, means for rigidly connecting said handle member and body together againstlateral and longitudinal movement of the handle member and body relatively.

'12. In a construction as defined in claim 11, means onsaid base portion adapted'to space the ends of conductor'w'ires passed through the bore.

PEARLEY B. BOONE. 

